PDX Update

News of Portland in brief

Completion of the latest section of the Springwater Corridor between the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the city of Boring will be celebrated between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. May 19.

A series of events will mark the recent opening of the Three Bridges section connecting Portland to Milwaukie over Southeast McLoughlin Boulevard, the Union Pacific Railroad and Johnson Creek.

The pedestrian and bike bridges cost around $4.7 million, with 90 percent of the money coming from the federal government. A 10 percent match of approximately $470,000 was contributed by Portland Parks and Recreation, the Portland Office of Transportation, the city of Milwaukie and TriMet, all of which are hosting the events.

Activities and demonstrations will be held at four designated points along the trail: Southeast 19th Avenue and Ochoco Street in Sellwood; the Three Bridges area at Southeast 28th Avenue and Sherrett Street; the Tideman Johnson Natural Area; and the Johnson Creek trailhead at Southeast 45th Avenue and Johnson Creek Boulevard.

PARKS

Park sponsorship mulled

Portland Parks and Recreation is seeking public comment on its controversial proposed policy to sell private sponsorships for programs and facilities.

Some citizens have questioned the concept of allowing the names of sponsoring businesses to be posted in city parks. Bureau officials say the new policy is needed to help generate operating and maintenance funds.

The meeting will be held 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the Pettygrove Room on the second floor of City Hall, 1221 S.W. Fourth Ave. The revised policies and a summary of public comments will be presented to the City Council at 10:30 a.m. April 25.

TriMet fares set to go up

TriMet last week announced a 5-cent fare increase as part of its fiscal 2008 budget.

Spokeswoman Mary Fetsch said that over the coming month TriMet would finalize the details of the fare increase, including whether it would only apply to regular adult fares and how it would affect the cost of monthly passes.

The $741 million capital and operating budget includes $343 million to continue building the 8.3-mile Interstate 205-Portland Mall light rail, as well as the 14.7-mile Washington County commuter rail line.

Parents citywide are invited to attend, to learn how to network with other parents in the district, hear the results of the group's parent involvement assessment project and learn how other schools support and increase parent involvement.

Also on the agenda: understanding benchmarks and standards in the classroom, and how to evaluate principals, improve the public engagement process and become part of a site council or local school advisory committee.

The free event runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Benson High School, 546 N.E. 12th Ave. Child care and translation services are available, and refreshments will be provided.

Participants are asked to register online at cppsportland.org, or call 503-220-0577. The event is co-sponsored by Portland Public Schools and the Portland Schools Foundation.